What to Do When Your Car Won’t Start Due to a Dead Battery

Sep 26, 2025

Source: Freepik

Suppose you are running late for your work and your car won’t start.

Suppose you are going on a road trip and your car breaks down.

Suppose you are just out on a drive, stopped somewhere to get a cup of tea, and when you come back to the car, your car decides that it’s the perfect time to stop working!

See? However, the situation, wherever you are, nobody likes it when the car doesn’t start. The reasons could be many – dead battery, faulty ignition switch, non-responsive key fob, faulty starter motor, blown fuse, clogged fuel filter, and so on! The million-dollar question is, what do you do when your car won’t start? That’s exactly what we are about to discuss. Join in with your car!

  • Check the Battery!

    Most of the time, the reason for a car not starting is a dead car battery. Take a look at the battery symbol. If it is weak, you know the battery isn’t doing so fine. If the headlights or horn are not working, it’s a battery issue.

    Now, let’s talk about the obvious dead car battery symptoms. Twist the key, and if there is no light on the dashboard or no engine sound whatsoever, know that the battery needs attention. A jumpstart can help; so, grab a portable battery charger. It is also a good idea to read the manufacturer’s manual, as some cars may be jump-started using another vehicle.

    There’s a solution to car battery low, but if it doesn’t start after charging, you may need to get it replaced. Wait, if the car doesn’t start but the battery symbol shows properly, there could be some other issues that you should check for before thinking about a battery replacement.

  • Examine the Battery Connections

    It may not be the discharged battery, but the faulty connections prevent the engine from receiving the power it requires to run. The chances of this are low, but it doesn’t hurt to check. Try lightly turning or twisting the cable connections going to the battery. If the cables move, the connection is loose. Debris or some sort of building might be the reason. Remove the connectors and use a piece of cloth to clean them thoroughly. Connect them back to the battery nodes. Clamp the connectors tightly with a wrench. Now, try starting the car.

  • Check the Alternator

    Does your car start but stall immediately? Do the interior lights turn on but dim out quickly? It could be the alternator. Another sign is a burning smell; the alternator wraps around the engine, and if it doesn’t work well, you will get a hot rubber smell. If you think that the issue is with the alternator, call a tow truck and take it to the professionals.

  • Try a Push Start (for Manual Cars)

    If you’re driving a manual transmission vehicle, you can try a push-start method as a temporary solution when the battery is dead.

Keep Your Car Running with Livfast Batteries!

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Wrapping Up!

Discharged or drained batteries are often the reason preventing the car from starting. If the car doesn’t stop, identify the problem and get it fixed right away. In case any replacement is needed, for instance, if you need to replace the battery, get the best quality solution for long-lasting performance.

 

FAQ's

How to know if there’s any ignition switch issue?

If the engine does not crank when turning the key, it could be an issue with the ignition switch.

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If the car doesn’t detect a key or doesn’t start even on pressing the start button, the key fob might be faulty.

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If you see the engine cranking, but it doesn’t fire, the battery and the rest of the electrical system might be fine, and the problem might be with the fuel filters.

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A car battery typically lasts three to five years. However, this can vary based on factors like climate, driving habits, and battery quality.

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